A 34-year-old man was sentenced to 30 years in jail on Thursday after shooting and wounding two Clackamas County sheriff’s deputies in 2023.
Tyler J. Scott, 34, reclined back in his chair as Clackamas County Chief Deputy District Attorney Chris Owen briefed the judge about Scott’s shooting of Deputies Dan Blair and Jeremy McKenna on June 30, 2023.
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Four deputies responded to the report at a tool rental location on Southeast Johnson Creek Boulevard, just south of the Springwater Corridor. A surveillance camera caught Scott and another man attempting to force open a metal cargo container carrying tools and construction equipment.
Blair observed Scott in the vicinity, and the deputies approached and ordered him to halt. Scott raised his hands but then swiftly shifted, Owen explained.
“He immediately put his hand behind his back, withdrew a 9mm handgun from his waistband and immediately fired at deputy McKenna,” Owen said.
The shot “went under his vest just above his hip” and a second shot hit him in the center of his chest but “was fortunately stopped by his ballistic vest and cellphone as he went to the ground,” Owen said.
“He would later tell investigators that he could hear another bullet by his head,” the prosecutor said.
Blair, who had been pursuing the other suspect, shifted his focus to Scott after hearing gunfire, Owen said. Scott then fired at Blair, injuring his shoulder.
Both deputies returned fire but did not strike Scott.
The other two deputies on the scene heard the gunfire and watched Scott flee. They stopped him, took the gun, and inquired what had happened, Owen explained.
“He claimed he didn’t know,” Owen said.
Scott reached an agreement with prosecutors and pleaded guilty in June to two counts of attempted first-degree murder.
McKenna and Blair attended the hearing alongside Sheriff Angela Brandenburg and other members of the office. The men did not address the court.
According to Owen, the case shows the dangers that police personnel face.
“There are a lot of people who think they know what it’s like to be a law enforcement officer and really aren’t afraid to share their opinion with the community about it, but none of them truly know what it’s like to wake up and wonder if you’re going to be assaulted or shot at work today,” he said.
Scott’s lawyer, Michelle Bartov, told the court that Scott was sorry.
Scott stepped up, looked at the sheriff’s officials, and said he wouldn’t make excuses.
“Glad to see you guys are all right,” he said.
Circuit Judge Ann Lininger addressed the deputies, complimenting their bravery and dedication to serving the community.
McKenna and Blair recovered from their injuries and returned to work last year.
“Their strength, resilience, and determination are an inspiration to all of us,” Brandenburg said in a statement after the sentencing. “I hope this moment is able to bring some measure of healing and closure for them, their families, our office, and our community.”
The second suspect in the burglary, Joseph Ray Schaffer, 48, was unarmed and, according to prosecutors, did not participate in the assault on the two cops.
According to authorities, Scott and Schaffer stole approximately $1,000 in tools from the shop. Schaffer pleaded guilty to first-degree theft in August 2023 and was sentenced to 30 days in jail and 18 months probation.
